With 25 years of passion for electronic music, DJ and sound producer Olekhar (formerly known as Harris or Alexander Harris) seamlessly blends elements of '90s breaks and ambient house with the tech-funk, electro, and deep house vibes of the 2000s in his tracks. His intriguing, eclectic, and unique sound is best represented by two recent EPs – "Jays in Space" (2023) and "Fin Groove" (2024), the latter marking the debut release on his own label, Afalinas Records. Afalinas Records, a vinyl imprint, feels like a natural extension of Olekhar, who has amassed a collection of over 2,500 records. His vinyl journey began in his youth while working as a buyer at one of Kyiv’s first vinyl stores. Since 2016, Olekhar has been living and growing his music career in Toronto, though he fondly recalls his formative years in Ukraine. “I’ll never forget the days we’d receive boxes of new records from British distributors. Labels like 2020 Vision, Freaked, NRK left a lasting imprint on my heart and deeply influenced my sound as both a producer and DJ,” Olekhar shares. Olekhar’s career in Ukraine was vibrant and eventful. During the 2000s and 2010s, he was one of Kyiv’s most sought-after and popular DJs. As Harris, he held residencies at Kyiv’s leading clubs (the Lab, Boom Boom Room, Mantra), managed the chic Sky Art Cafe, and played unforgettable vinyl sets at the legendary Kazantip, Ostrov Festival, and fashion shows like DSQUARED2 or Stephen Sprouse for Louis Vuitton. He also released music on respected vinyl label Artreform Records, Spain’s Parallel Records, and Germany’s Solaris Records, as well as Dear Deer Records. After moving to Canada, Olekhar rebranded, updated his sound, and quickly integrated into the local electronic scene, having previously toured internationally across Lithuania, Latvia, Georgia, Armenia, Montenegro, Cyprus, and even El Salvador. In Toronto, his sets can be heard at clubs like Coda, Sub Division, and Promise Cherry Beach. In recent years, Olekhar has shifted his focus to loft and pop-up events at various locations around the city. No matter where Olekhar is performing, his heart remains connected to his homeland. It’s no coincidence that the name of his label, Afalinas, refers to a rare species of dolphin native to the waters of the Black and Azov Seas.